BEIJING - Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday that the Taiwan authorities should return to the 1992 Consensus as soon as possible.

"The key to unlocking the cross-Straits stalemate lies in recognizing the 1992 Consensus and acknowledging that the two sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one and the same China," said Wang at a press conference at the annual session of the National People's Congress. "This correct move will create a bright future for the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations."

"Adhering to the one-China principle and not having official ties with Taiwan have become a generally observed norm in international relations," he said.

"It is a correct choice in line with the tide of history to establish diplomatic relations and carry out regular cooperation with the government of the People's Republic of China, the sole legal representative of the whole of China.

"Such a choice would best serve the long-term interest of these countries and their people. Of course this is the overriding trend and an unstoppable one," he said.